Overview of Year 2000 Compliance Procedures
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The Technology Committee is conducting an enterprise-wide analysis of our business regarding Year 2000 compliance. This analysis encompasses six areas: |
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1)
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Infrastructure - mainframe, client/server and network hardware, and operating systems software |
2)
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Personal Computers - PC and Mac hardware and operating systems |
3)
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Applications Software - proprietary and off-the-shelf software |
4)
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Printing Operations - prepress and press systems |
5)
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Facilities - security, fire and telephone systems, office equipment |
6)
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External Entities - vendor/supplier compliance |
The Technology Committee is using a three-step approach to assess the impact of the Year 2000 on each of the six areas: |
1)
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Identification - Determining what systems may be affected. |
2)
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Assessment - Reviewing the individual system to determine the appropriate course of action, such as renovation, replacement/upgrade or retirement. |
3)
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Testing & Correction - Implementing action plans to effect changes needed and performing system and application testing to assure compliance |
The following addresses the current status of our preparedness project for the six areas: |
1. Infrastructure
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In 1997, we replaced and upgraded our client/server publishing system (the main system used in producing our clients newsletters) with state-of-the-art equipment. The system has been tested, and we believe that this new equipment and software is Year 2000 compliant.
In addition to our client/server system, FMC uses a mainframe
system for certain internal operations and personalization options. Certain operations
of this system are currently being converted to operate in a client/server environment.
Systems are in the final testing and user training stages and are expected to
go live within the next few weeks.
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2. Personal Computers
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Personal computers (including IBM compatible and Mac) are generally replaced on a three-year rolling basis. Testing of our approximately 250 personal computers has been completed and they are now substantially compliant. |
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